The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1887-04-30
WASHINGTON News and Gossip.
From our Special Correspondent.
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WAsufNGToN. d. C., April 25th, 'ST.
Mr.'Edltor; Tie anniversary OF the day upon
which the slaves in the District Of Columbia
were liberated, is great day for colored peo.
pie, and the most elaborate preparation had been
mad for celebrating the twenty-afth anniversary
on Monday last, and had it not been for the
inclemency Of the weather. there Is no doubt but
that the parade would have been the most gorge
ous affair ever given by the colored people ofthe
District. The original plan contemplated a
review by the President at the White House at
twelve o'clock, but 1t was late in the afternoon
before the procession was formed and during
the entire march the rainfell in torrents, II can
readily be imagined that by the time the White
House grounds were reached the procession pre-
sented a sorry appearance. The rain had COM
pletely wfted the bright colored banners, -iini-
forms and sashes and the "Qneen Of Love and
Beauty" who was TO have ridden among, her
maids OF honnor upon gaily daeked wagon. was
consigned 10 huge covered omnibus. Among
| the fejVtres OF the parade were colored military
organizations Of Washington which were out IN
tu force despite the rain, and they presented a
very creditable appearance. The President
reviewed the parade from the portco, ond saued
| the Marshal as he passed by removing his hat
The exercises OF the day were brought to close
by an evening meeting held In Lincoln Memorial
Church. An admission free Of fifteen cents had
been charged TO the evening meeting but when
Col Williams the orator Of the evening learned
OF the fact he declared that lie would leave the
hall II the money was not returned, and the
admission free was given back to each person In
attennance before the exercises of the evening
we're commenced. Themeeting was well attend
ed and the proceedings were interesting
At no time during the history Of Washington
has there existed such spirit Of actlyityin real
estate interests, as at the present time All of
the available land in the immediate vicinity of
the city has been divided In TO building lots, new
streets are being laid out and city streets extend
ed and improved. Values have advanced SO
rapidly that real estate agents have been kept
busy in 'marking up" prices and the working
fo &C in the offices OF the Recorder of deeds has
been compelled to work extra hours in order to
keep up with the current work. That this boom
is not entirely In the interests of spectators, is
evinced by the fact that many of the purchasers
have commenced the erection Of houses. Build
ngs are springlng up like magic in all sections
of the city, and very many of them are costly
ediGces which are to furnish homes for wealthy
people from all sections of the country. Nor il
the spirit of activity confined to private parte,
} alone. The lberality Of Congress In providing
appropriations for the erection OF Governmen
buildings, and improvements of parks and publ,
grounds has rendered it possible TO carry iutt
effect many Improvements long since contcmp
lated, but which have not until now been carried
out on account of lack Of available funds. Th'
work of clearing the site forthe new Congression
, al Library building is nearly complete and wOrl
, upon the excavation for the foundation viii b'
commenced at once. The marble terrace abou
the Capitol building will soon be finished, aud
? force of laborers have been set at work upon tn
foundation of the grand staircase which is to b.
built at the west front OF the building. The new
fire-proof building which Is being built for I'll
Army Medical Museum, and Medical Library o
I, the Surgeon Generals 0ffee viii soon be com
e pleted. .-..
/. Tie bronze statue Of Ex-President Jas. A. Gan
O field which Is to be unveiled on the 18th OF May
has been placed upon its pedestal at the Mary
d land Aveneue entrance to the capital grdphds
I and is considered to be one Of the finest OF tb
s numerous pieces of satuary In the National Cap
o tai. II.